Moving to a more reptile friendly state? (Florida, Carolinas?)

Hey everyone, my apologies if this isn't quite the correct place for this thread.

I've been weighing the idea of moving to another state that would be better for keeping reptiles. Missouri isn't bad, but i do have to prepare for the ice storms once in awhile.

My lady and I have been discussing the idea lately, though I've been pondering it for much longer.

We agreed that Florida would be interesting, and great for herps. However, I've been trying to research the state before I make any commitment. I know that if I do make the move, it would be in the top half of the state, but I'm curious about other members experience or thoughts on making a move like this.

I don't really spend a lot of time with my family, so that isn't an issue, and I have other hobbies to make friends easily enough.

So, have any of you moved from your home to a state on the coast? What were the hardest parts? What would you consider your greatest successes with it?

Also, any reptile laws that one should be aware of?

I will continue reading into these inquiries on my own, but any help is greatly appreciated.

The Southern States increasingly have negative legislation in the works. They may have a reptile-friendly CLIMATE, but they most certainly can't be considered reptile-friendly States.

I can insulate a room, get a backup generator, and use an oil heater...I don't mind that, so long as I can actually legally own the animals.

Nebraska here is pretty good for reptile laws. So is Wyoming, where I would like to eventually wind up. (Outside of some cities with ordinances, the State has only one law...you aren't allowed to keep a black mamba, lol. Of course, there are some endangered species rules, and are laws for wild collection, but that's about it).

What ever you do dont come to Ohio. we are getting hammered with new legistration right now. The wife and I are considering relocating to Florida also because of this. Florida has quite a few laws but most of it seems to be keeping up with and having proper records and permits.

Before anyone packs up the house and family and moves to Florida, I would try and get some info and opinions from those who are currently living there or have lived there in the past. I was born and grew up in FL and would have serious reservations about moving back there...

I love living in Florida. BUT...

We are not allowed to own any giant pythons UNLESS you were grandfathered in when the law was passed. No getting a new permit for yourself for giants. Some native species you must have a permit for (alligator snapping turtle, skunks, opossums), some levels of permits are free, some are not. I don't know the specifics on each permit but yea. Also, no shipping feeder roaches into Florida. The only legal ones to own IN Florida are Discoidalis. You need a permit from FWC to legally sell or purchase ball pythons (other animals included but don't have the list). Must have documented hours with a venomous licensed person in order to get a venomous permit.

I am probably forgetting something but those are some things to consider. None of your animals listed will need special permits.

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Originally Posted by aldebono

Also, no shipping feeder roaches into Florida.

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That just makes the native roaches jealous...:D

I'm in south Ga. About 45 minuets from Fla. You can have feeder roaches (dubias) here. You can also have native hots here, but your not suppose to have native non hots ( corns, rats, hognose,etc.). Indagos is a BIG nono. The temps are the same as mid/ north fla. Though I think that Florida is better on taxes.
Spooky

Illinois isn't too bad. The only legislation I know of to be aware of is that since Hognoses are a local species you have to get a permit to own them. We have winters, but usually more snow storms than ice storms, and I've never had my power knocked out from a winter storm yet (I've lived in Northern IL my entire 24 years).

CT sucks lol. Not for herp laws but for weather. I'll be heading south or west when i finish school in a few years. I wanna live where it stays nice and warm year round lol

I just moved back home to Florida after a military career and 4 years working for the USAF as a civilian.

The act of physically moving to Florida is not that hard (seems like millions of Yankees figure out how to do it every year...I kid, I kid). I was a Virginia state resident on a Monday, and by the time the sun set on Thursday, I was once again a full up Florida resident with my DL, Voter Reg, and Lic Plate on my vehicle. It helps to have a previously established address, but still, the process is pretty simple.

Florida is a fairly tax friendly state. We have no state taxes on regular or military retirement income, and depending on where you live, local property taxes are in line with the national average or slightly lower. The further south you get below Ocala, the higher the property tax rate.

Because we don't have a state income tax, the local sales taxes can be high, and gas is taxed to high heaven in many counties.

As far as Herps go, the climate is certainly friendly, and depending on what you want to keep, the rules and regulations are not too hard to live with. Knowing and understanding the laws is important. Some animals require a permit, and some are simply not allowed to be kept unless you were here to get grandfathered. I do find that living in central Florida, most of the animals I'm not allowed to keep, can be found just beyond my back yard, so it's not like you never get to see them.

If you plan on breeding and selling animals in Florida, you might want to speak to a Florida based breeder. I know they have certain permits they are required to have, but I don't know what the cost would be.